What is the intent of Art & Design at Mandeville Primary School?

“Creativity Takes Courage” – Henry Matisse

At Mandeville, we strive to create an engaging Art and Design curriculum that inspires and challenges each child, enabling them to express their individuality and develop their own style. We encourage children to think critically about their own work and the work of others, using inspiration from a variety of sources and merging these to create their own compositions.

Our Art Curriculum gives children the opportunity to:

• Develop and refine their range of artistic skills and techniques, using different styles and media.
• Learn about art movements throughout history and how they have contributed to our nation, thus gaining a deeper understanding of our culture and diversity.
• Explore the impact of artists, architects and designers on our local area.
• Form and express their own opinions when reacting to art.
• Have the confidence to experiment, invent and express themselves creatively.
• Be inspired to develop a life-long appreciation for art and find genuine enjoyment in creating their own.

How is Art & Design organised at Mandeville Primary School?

At Mandeville, children begin their Art and Design learning journey in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where they experience elements of Art and Design through adult-led activities and continuous provision. Artists and movements have been selected and chronologically sequenced to ensure that children build upon their previous learning as they progress through the school. The skills and knowledge gained through each art topic are built upon each year, allowing children to experiment with and master different techniques and showcase their learning at the end of each unit.

The National Curriculum for Art and Design for KS1 and 2 aims to ensure that all pupils:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

At Mandeville, we believe that Art and Design is a fundamental aspect of a broad and balanced curriculum, giving children the opportunity to invent, create and express themselves. Children are encouraged to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products, both individually and collaboratively. Art lessons at Mandeville provide children with the opportunity to share their experiences and imagination through drawing, painting, printing, collage and sculpture. As children progress through the school, they develop their understanding of aspects of art including line, colour, shape, and tone. Children in KS2 develop a portfolio of art in sketchbooks, enabling them to reflect upon and evaluate their own and others work. Art is taught as a discrete subject, but the skills gained are often used in other aspects of the curriculum. To understand the significance of art in our everyday lives, children study architecture and design in our local area and recognise the numerous and varied career opportunities linked to Art.

At Mandeville, we enrich our Art and Design curriculum with visitors, trips and our whole school Creative Arts Week.